Hi All.

I've recently bought a 71 mini clubman. So much work needs doing, but i need to start somewhere - so I've decided to start with the floor.

It's mostly good. There is some rust in the boot (spare wheel recess) and drivers footwell (under the accel pedal) - but I think I can repair these by cutting out the rusted sections and welding in patches (after a liberal dose of rust converter). They are in fair flat sections - so not much metal work should be required.

The main floor has one big rectangular hole just in fron of the handbrake - which I am assuming is from a remote gear shift that has been removed. Is there any reason why I can't do the same with that?

It looks like a new hole was cut into the floor of the gear shift. The hole is quite large. How do you stop water coming in from that?

Finally, the floor has dozens of holes drilled in it - for no apparent reason. Would you guys weld up these, or just put in some rubber bungs/gromets?

Thanks, Paul

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1971 Clubman

Floor patches are fine unless you are building a trailer queen or restoring an S, IMO.
Assuming you have a magic wand shift now, I would bolt a plate over the remote gearshift hole with sealant rather than weld a patch in, (in case you change your mind).
As for the little holes, the 1"? round ones took rubber bungs, any smaller ones could be filled. But if there are 3 holes near the crossmember I would put bolts in them (they would be for the remote shift rear mount). In case you or the next bloke wants to fit a remote...

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Hi Paul , there is a rubber gator that covers the hole for the gear lever , and as for the holes drilled in the floor " i have a few myself " i'm guessing they are remnants of the production methods of the day.Im just going to put rubber gromets in the holes " was a suggestion by luke (surtees) .

Cheers Bill.

Edit: Doc beat me to it and his expertise is immense.

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Thanks for the replies. I'm not building a show car .. I want to get it on the road and drive it.

Magic wand shift? Not sure:


This is the remote gear box hole, and a mysterious plate that was sitting there when I got the car.



The small holes are probably 1/2". Maybe i just seal them up with some silicone sealant to keep water out..

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1971 Clubman